Mini Pumpkin Breadboard

 I designed this mini pumpkin breadboard using a stamp from Hobby Lobby,  copper mica powder and Elmer's clear glue.  I was really happy with the way it turned out.

 The first photo does not depict how vibrantly these pumpkins shine because of the metallic mica powder. It was overcast when i took that photo but you can see it in some additional photos I have included.

I had this mini breadboard from a two pack I purchased at Aldi supermarket a few years ago but they currently have similar breadboards at Hobby Lobby and Michaels for a few dollars. They even have one at Dollar Tree that I saw on their website.

First I painted the mini breadboard with white paint. I use regular enamel wall paint that I get from the "oops" section at Home Depot.  I buy all gallons I find in white, black and navy because they are the colors I use most. I paint a lot of coastal pieces.

After the white paint was completely dry I stamped a repeat pattern with my rubber pumpkin stamp that I purchased at Hobby Lobby. I always use Ranger Archival ink because it is permanent and doesn't smear.

Next, I took regular Elmer's school glue (clear) and poured some in a small container (it is actually the metal part that tea lights come in). I try to save all small containers to mix paint.  

I dipped my brush in the glue first and put a very thin layer of it inside one  pumpkin stamp. I worked on one pumpkin at a time so that the glue didnt dry up before I added the mica powder. 

Do not be concerned that you are covering any of the details inside the stamp because they are simple lines that you are going to draw back over once it is dry. 

Once the pumpkin was filled in with the glue, I dipped my brush into the powder (I used metallic copper) and started painting over the glue sort of mixing it at the same time right on the board. You will see the glue grab the powder and start to shine. You can do two layers depending on how opaque you would like it.  That is a personal preference.

Another method is to add the mica powder directly into the glue and paint it all at once but Im always concerned about having leftover and can never gauge how much I will need.

After all of the pumpkins were done I let that sit for a few hours, I took my black paint pen by DecoColor (extra fine tip) and outlined the pumpkin. I also made the detail lines that I had covered up with the mica powder.  Don't stress about making the lines perfect especially because the powder covers the original detail lines. In my opinion it looks nicer when things look hand drawn. 

For the leaves I went in with a very light celadon green (paint) only because I didn't have green mica powder.  I did add small dots with my paint pen to fill in the stark areas.

I finished it by first spraying it with Krylon clear. Then I put two coats of Mod Podge on. The reason I didn't go directly to the board with the Mod Podge was because I was concerned the brush would reactivate the mica powder and smear it all over the board.  

Lastly, I tied jute twine around the handle. That was it and I am really happy with the way it turned out! 

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Stamp from Hobby Lobby

Mica Powder from Hobby Lobby in silver, gold and copper.

Added dots

See how it shines in the light